gallium maltolate

Gallium maltolate is an orally bioavailable coordination complex consisting of a trivalent gallium cation (Ga3+) coordinated to three maltolate ligands. It is under investigation as a therapeutic agent for cancer, chronic bacterial infections, bone disease, and inflammatory diseases[2][3][5]. The compound acts primarily by mimicking ferric iron (Fe3+), allowing it to be taken up by rapidly proliferating cells such as cancer cells and bacteria. Once inside the cell, Ga3+ cannot participate in redox reactions like Fe3+, leading to inhibition of the Fe3+-dependent enzyme ribonucleotide reductase—an enzyme essential for DNA synthesis—resulting in cell death[2][3][8]. Gallium also disrupts mitochondrial function by inhibiting iron-sulfur cluster-containing proteins and mitochondrial complex I activity, increasing cellular oxidative stress[8]. Additionally, it exhibits anti-inflammatory effects through down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and has analgesic properties due to inhibition of certain metalloproteinases and neuropeptides involved in pain[1][3]. Gallium maltolate may also inhibit bone resorption by osteoclasts and prevent tumor-induced bone destruction[1][3].

Brand names

Gallixa

Other names

tris(3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4H-pyran-4-onato)galliumoral gallium compound